Memories

June 1964, 44 years ago. David and I left Arkansas and Moved to California.
David had begged me for days to make a decision to move, My sister and BIL were moving out and he thought it would be good for us.
We had tried that trip once and I saw no improvement in our finances so I was planted.
I like security, I expect security.
I always had security.
One evening after a rather stressful day, I said, "OK I will move but I will not move back here, I can not spend my life on the road, it is no life." ( I think I was pretty insightful for a 19 year old.

It was almost a spur of the moment decision.
This week something happened that made the memory come flooding back.
I can still picture us, throwing our clothes in cardboard boxes, packing a few of Charles toys, (he was not even two years old) packing our cookware in our luggage and heading out.
We (4 adults, and 4 children) packed into a 1961 Chevy Impala, improved with Over load springs, headed out.
It was an experience to say the least.
We always got along well, as the boys were brothers and we were sisters.
We arrived in Red Bluff with no job, no home, nothing but our cookware and clothing.
We found a place to rent, (together) bought groceries while the guys went job hunting.
A job was opening at a local saw mill, (David left a saw mill job at 1.25 and hour)
The mill was on vacation for two weeks but they offered the guys a job when they started back up. Oh Man we were going to be in high cotton, The pay was 2.50 an hour. Wow, that was a lot compared to our previous income and it was regular, no shutting down for rain. (that happened often in Arkansas, David worked at a handle mill). Rain brought a shut down and we were short on our pay check a lot, often not more than $16.00.
Times were rough but we owed no one as credit cards were unheard of. We just did without.
I thought life was good.
So David and Coy took a job picking peaches and doing anything they could to earn a few bucks.
Finally the mill started back up and they were hired.
David and Coy worked many double shifts and long hours. Some days he drove home, showered, slept a couple of hours and was back on the road.
I say this to give you insight into our beginning 44 years ago.
We came to California with a suitcase full of cookware, cardboard boxes with clothes and little else but hope.
We were not afraid, we knew God would take care of us. We knew we could go home anytime. Home to Arkansas.
Lou and I spent many hours walking to town with the four kids and window shopping.
Charles was small and hated the walks and I had to carry him most of the time. We had no strollers.
If I put him down, he ran in front of me and grabbed my legs and begged.
I usually gave in but often I let him walk, I was not very big myself. Lou helped out with that too.
Window shopping was all we could afford. But it was fun and entertainment.
We also took the kids to the park by the river and let them play on the equipment.
It was a great bonding time.
A time we will never forget.

Why did I think of this, Most is personal but to think of that day and what God has provided for us since is unbelievable.
We came into town with no car, no job, no money, no food, no home, nothing really nice.
Today I sit in a expensive California home, swimming pool. hot tub, two cars, (one a red Mustang, one a family luxury car) and I think.
God, What Have I don't to deserve even one of the blessings I've known?
I can walk you through my house and Tell a story of every item in it, my pie safe my grandpa built, my vase given to me by a friend, my spare bed I prayed I could buy for a good price as it was all I had to spend that day. A very expensive bed engraved with roses, I paid exactly what I asked God to help me on. It is Iron and used in my spare room.
Nothing in my home is fancy,it is cherished by me and my husband because we know what it took to get here. What sacrifices we made to make a home for us, how we trusted God to help us through tough times.
He has never forsaken us or left us begging bread.
That is why I donate to the shelters, to the beggar on the street. I may not have but one dollar but I do have food at home and this person has none.
I am not to judge his needs, I am to follow my heart.
Each of us have a mission in this world, We just need to find it and follow it.
Thank You God for another Blessed Week.



He has trulty blessed us beyond belief, now if we can just hold up our end of the deal and reach out to help others.
I try to do that. I NEVER forget my humble beginnings.